banquo knowledge Flashcards
how is banquo a loyal subject
-both him and Macbeth are seemingly loyal subjects to the king – do what he asks – valiantly fight in wars for him
how does the great chain of being affect banquo
-Described as a brave, powerful solider initially and his ideas of valour, power and violence become synonymous with masculinity.
- seemingly overlooked compared to the more vicious Macbeth who ‘doubly redoubles strokes upon the foe’ and is rewarded as ‘thane of Cawdor’ maybe is ignored as he is less of a violent warrior
banquos children are the source of macbeths insecurity whatare the points of this
-Macbeth knows the prophecy of Banquo’s sons being king and this leads to great insecurity and causes him to betray his best friend – could be seen to show that ambition and power leads to isolation, loneliness, and insecurity
-With the unexpected ascension of James, QUALITIES OF A KING were greatly debated in the Jacobian era
- Macbeth’s insecurities of his power as King is demonstrated after the murder of Banquo ‘there the grown serpent lies; the worm that’s fled hath nature that in time will venom breed’ - fearful of Fleance’s power will grow in the future. This draws parallels to the theme of temptation and the fall of Adam and Eve exemplifying how he is fearful that Fleance will deceive him like snakes do.
what is banquos frendship with macbeth
-remains loyal to Macbeth after he becomes king – even if he suspects Macbeth of killing the king as he knows of the prophecy – he still treats him with respect and doesn’t show any suspicion – perhaps he believes in fate or perhaps this further reflects his loyalty as a character
- seems like a good truthful friend – tells Macbeth about his thoughts of the witches and their prophecy whereas Macbeth hides his thoughts – he is a direct contrast to Macbeth he is seen as loyal, truthful and noble – he doesn’t give in to the witches temptation – whereas Macbeth does and this leads to his downfall – moreover it his ambition leads him to lose his friend by hiding secrets and then killing him
IMPORTANCE – directly contrasts Macbeth portraying a loyal noble subject against a traitorous one – their relationship is a victim of Macbeth’s ambition
